Master Doll Photography & Special FX - Online Course - Early Bird Launch Special

[jeep2639]

By the way, I started playing with Topaz AI. Have you?
I used to think that once you took the pictures, whatever lighting, ISO setting, and everything else you had, you were done. There was a limit to what you could do to the picture.
But I just improved Emily's photo (it was dark and therefore noisy due to the high ISO setting of 2500) tremendously with the use of Topaz AI. And I didn't even go too aggressively.

[Elrond]

By the way, I started playing with Topaz AI. Have you?
I used to think that once you took the pictures, whatever lighting, ISO setting, and everything else you had, you were done. There was a limit to what you could do to the picture.
But I just improved Emily's photo (it was dark and therefore noisy due to the high ISO setting of 2500) tremendously with the use of Topaz AI. And I didn't even go too aggressively.

Yes, I’ve got Topaz AI. Great tool. I used it to fix and upscale an entire collection of old photographs that I scanned. Turning old 6x4 photos from old film camera into high resolution digital images.

[sim3sum]

Sim3sum, how long before I get to that level of talent? Will I ever?…

Your well on your way, posing is very important and you look like your doing great there. Lighting is key to getting a great image and does not have to cost a fortune, I paid 75$ usd a piece for my strobes and 40$-75$ per soft box. I have also played with Topaz some and its amazing what it can do to clean up pictures, I have used it on cellphone pictures. There are also other more portrait leaning programs out there that can change lighting, make up, clothing and backgrounds.

[jeep2639]

Sim3sum, how long before I get to that level of talent? Will I ever?…

Your well on your way, posing is very important and you look like your doing great there. Lighting is key to getting a great image and does not have to cost a fortune, I paid 75$ usd a piece for my strobes and 40$-75$ per soft box. I have also played with Topaz some and its amazing what it can do to clean up pictures, I have used it on cellphone pictures. There are also other more portrait leaning programs out there that can change lighting, make up, clothing and backgrounds.

I actually have a video studio at home. I have lighting and all. But I will need to take Emily to the second floor to have her in the studio. Which I will do… at some point. I even have a green wall there for some exciting scenery… Or I can bring the lights downstairs… that’s also a possibility… I want to first design a scene and then execute it. Right now, I’m more opportunistic and ad-how in my photography of Emily and Sophie.

[jeep2639]

Cute doll, love the hair and head pose, totally, LOVE (passion) does indeed help and push us forward... Btw - watch out for those hotspots (Specularity) on her legs. A little babypowder / some matt-stockings and / or side-lighting can help with that...

There would be no freaking way I would even be able to take a picture like this if I didn't go through your videos. I'm far, far, far from being good. Lighting is terrible. I didn't do anything with Photoshop yet. But you forgot one element in your course that improves picture quality...
... love. Love improves my skill...

Baby powder, or... Isn't Generative Fill in Photoshop something?...

[Elrond]

What would be the most cost-effective way of getting Photoshop (i.e. not pirating nor other illegal methods?)?

[jeep2639]

What would be the most cost-effective way of getting Photoshop (i.e. not pirating nor other illegal methods?)?

I have the entire Creative Cloud suite, but it’s expensive. Monthly… you may want to think about Photoshop Elements. It’s a scaled down version, compatible, and costs a one time $99. You may want to wait and look for a sale. I saw it for $59 at some point. I would suggest to start searching for it, put it in a cart in multiple places, and wait… they often reach out to you with specials…

[sim3sum]

What would be the most cost-effective way of getting Photoshop (i.e. not pirating nor other illegal methods?)?

I use photoshop creative cloud photographers bundle @ 10$usd a month.
Generative fill in photoshop does work on shiny doll parts mostly and instead of completely removing the light and looking out of place it will still leave a bright spot.

[Elrond]

What would be the most cost-effective way of getting Photoshop (i.e. not pirating nor other illegal methods?)?

I have the entire Creative Cloud suite, but it’s expensive. Monthly… you may want to think about Photoshop Elements. It’s a scaled down version, compatible, and costs a one time $99. You may want to wait and look for a sale. I saw it for $59 at some point. I would suggest to start searching for it, put it in a cart in multiple places, and wait… they often reach out to you with specials…

If I remember correctly, I don’t think Elements did layers?

[Elrond]

What would be the most cost-effective way of getting Photoshop (i.e. not pirating nor other illegal methods?)?

I use photoshop creative cloud photographers bundle @ 10$usd a month.
Generative fill in photoshop does work on shiny doll parts mostly and instead of completely removing the light and looking out of place it will still leave a bright spot.

Yeah, it would appear that’s the cheapest plan. I was hoping I could had leverage my daugther’s university access to get a Student version/discount which they do have and a great saving too. But it’s only for the full package AU$21.95 per month discounted from AU$79.95. But that’s still more the Photography package!

[jeep2639]

I do have a university discount (I teach…), but it’s still $30/month. But I have the entire CC suite, and I use Premiere, Audition, Photoshop, Illistrator, Acrobat pretty much several hours a day…

[Siliconeman]

Photoshop CS2 can be found for free. Its all you need.

Sili

[Elrond]

In my search for a cheapskate version of Photoshop, I recall I actually purchased Skylum’s Luminar a few years back! So I can actually use Luminar Neo. I had upgraded my computer between then and now and did not install it on the new computer hence why I totally forgot!

I did dabble into photography and especially an interest with portrait photography a few years back hence purchasing a photo editing app. But with a camera-shy family and not wanting to feel awkward asking friends to model, I sort of gave up on the idea. Fast forward a few years and now in the world of dolls … I’ve got my model!

[Dreamlight]

Ha, ha, fab, keep it up!

Cute doll, love the hair and head pose, totally, LOVE (passion) does indeed help and push us forward... Btw - watch out for those hotspots (Specularity) on her legs. A little babypowder / some matt-stockings and / or side-lighting can help with that...

There would be no freaking way I would even be able to take a picture like this if I didn't go through your videos. I'm far, far, far from being good. Lighting is terrible. I didn't do anything with Photoshop yet. But you forgot one element in your course that improves picture quality...
... love. Love improves my skill...

I may have licked the baby powder... Just kidding... I don't think it tastes good...
But yes, there was no special lighting involved. I just put her on the table and the only lighting came from above, and in color temperature of 3000K or something like that. At some point, I will carry her to my studio upstairs, where the lighting is 5000K, and I have three LED lights to play with... I'll get there... I'm only starting.
But, again, I appreciate you, your videos, and your advice...

[Dreamlight]

Have you considered the free Gimp?

What would be the most cost-effective way of getting Photoshop (i.e. not pirating nor other illegal methods?)?